Topic: My First Kitbash (Read 3870 times)

Red_Sharif · « **on:** November 25, 2007, 11:47:04 pm »

For about two years now, I have been rediscovering the joy that is SFC2:OP. The models that the SFC Community have produced have enriched my gameplay immensely. The skill of those of you who have created models from scratch or kitbashed existing parts into new designs is inspiring to me. So inspiring that I actually registered my copy of Milkshape and tried my own hand at creating something new.

I say 'new' and 'kitbash', but really all I have done is make minor modifications to an existing model. I guess everyone has to start somewhere, right? The model I began with is Fallen_Warrior's excellent Dora Cohen kitbash of Lord Schtupp's Dauntless. I appreciate FW's effort in creating the only TOS Miranda type ship for SFC that I know of. In looking at some of the actual Miranda models available on BattleClinic, I decided to make some minor modifications to create a TOS model that more closely adheres to the lines of the TMP Miranda.

My modifications can be summed up briefly as: I moved the warp nacelles and rollbar out to the edge of the primary hull, lengthened the aft section of the primary hull, and shortened the warp nacelles by moving the rear of the nacelles forward a bit. I also removed FW's mega phasers and replaced them with sensor pods from Lord Schtupp's USS Pegasus.

As a final touch, I made created a new registry for the ship using Lord Schtupp's existing textures. The registry is U.S.S. IOWA NCC-1525, which conforms to the StarFleet Battles registry for the NCL of the same name. I named my new ship in honor of those shipmates of mine who gave their lives on April 19th, 1989 aboard the IOWA in the Turret Two disaster and to honor the ship I served aboard from October 1986 to September 1989. I thought it fitting, considering that FW created the original Dora Cohen to honor his grandmother.

And now, on to the screenshots. Enjoy...

atheorhaven · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2007, 12:09:02 am »

.. looking forward to seeing this released.. I'd been thinking of doing one of these myself, but hadn't gotten around to it. Now, I may not have to.

For a first bash, it's really decent.

Starforce2 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2007, 05:20:49 pm »

Now that ship looks hot. Esp for a first bash, I'd never guess.

The extra deflectors are on other ships too (explained as drone control antennas), but you're right, that style of fwd deflector is a bit tachy looking anyways. Perhaps some other attachment could go there.

The other thign is the nacelles look a tad big for the ship, atleast when viewed from side or front. You could further jazz it up but adding the bussard spears from the pilot connie.

Unless you plan on more modifications (or applying any of peoples suggestions) I'd like to port this over to BC if ya don't mind?

Rhaz · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2007, 06:06:33 pm »

Well done!

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2007, 06:45:38 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions and positive comments, folks.

I'm not quite ready to release her, as I believe I'm going to implement a couple changes as soon as I have the time. I'm going to remove the forward deflector dish and see if I can't tweak the warp/rollbar pylons a bit. As for the size of the nacelles themselves, I'll play with the scale a bit and see if that makes the overall shape of the ship more appealling. I'd have to see a dramatic improvement to make a change to them, as I really like the sense of balance they provide. I know TMP nacelles are sleeker, but this IS a TOS ret-con, after all.

Of course, I will need to gather all the appropriate permissions and properly document all credits before I can seriously consider releasing her. If anyone has current contact with Lord Schtupp, I would appreciate a PM regarding how to get hold of him for his permission.

Starforce2 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2007, 07:53:41 pm »

I would just PM him here. He does show up onec in a while. Corse the lsat time I sent pm's here they were never answered so I dunno if the pm system is working.

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2007, 08:21:02 pm »

I took a different approach with version two of this model. Instead of attempting to modify the model at the top of this thread, I made modifications and additions to the original Dauntless model. I used the same sensor pods from the Pegasus and the rollbar assembly from the Dora Cohen. The textures still need tweaking on the pylon assembly, but that shouldn't take much effort.

Speaking of effort, I was able to knock this bash together in less than two hours. I guess the practice is helping after all. This approach also forced me to figure out how to assign materials to groups. I suppose I could have looked for a tutorial, but trial and error is much more fun.

Screenies to follow. As always, your opinions and suggestions are welcome.

atheorhaven · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2007, 08:57:28 pm »

Looks more like where I was planning on going with it once I got my hands on it.

Looking sharp...

Starforce2 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2007, 09:36:32 pm »

try reducing the vent size on the sides of the pylons so it doesn't appear to have vents jutting out of the hull.

Bernard Guignard · « **Reply #9 on:** November 29, 2007, 05:56:58 pm »

very nice work

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #10 on:** November 30, 2007, 09:49:53 am »

Updated screenshot

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #11 on:** November 30, 2007, 08:38:05 pm »

How's this look?

Starforce2 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 01, 2007, 12:07:36 am »

much improved. Though you might want to put back the woodpecker, just in a slightly different spot. Other ideas might be the roadrunner (such as the logo off the 1970 superbird, aka the dynaco car from cars) or a mosquito with aircraft googles like on old bombers.

Fedman NCC-3758 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 01, 2007, 06:16:15 pm »

Hey Red.

Ya done good.

Real good.

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #14 on:** December 02, 2007, 06:18:43 pm »

I removed the spotlight as suggested. Also tweaked the starboard nacelle pylon to correct a symmetry error. I'm no engineer...I did all these mods by eyeball.

I have no interest in adding any sort of artwork. It just isn't my cup of java.

Anyway, screenies to follow:

Thanks again for your comments and suggestions. They are welcome and appreciated.

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #15 on:** December 02, 2007, 06:48:17 pm »

Yep. I'm pleased with it.

I also took Atra's recently re-released K5 and put a smaller nacelle & pylon assembly on the top rear deck to make a D5L. Nothing fancy and not much effort. Just did it for the experience. My next REAL project will be a TOS Klink dreadnaught, which is why I'm asking for models in my other thread.

atheorhaven · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2007, 09:38:26 am »

Quote from: Red_Sharif on December 02, 2007, 06:48:17 pm

Yep. I'm pleased with it.

I also took Atra's recently re-released K5 and put a smaller nacelle & pylon assembly on the top rear deck to make a D5L. Nothing fancy and not much effort. Just did it for the experience. My next REAL project will be a TOS Klink dreadnaught, which is why I'm asking for models in my other thread.

Getting close to a release? I'm waiting for this one as I had an idea for it.

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #17 on:** December 04, 2007, 06:28:59 am »

Quote from: atheorhaven on December 03, 2007, 09:38:26 am

Quote from: Red_Sharif on December 02, 2007, 06:48:17 pm
Yep. I'm pleased with it.

I also took Atra's recently re-released K5 and put a smaller nacelle & pylon assembly on the top rear deck to make a D5L. Nothing fancy and not much effort. Just did it for the experience. My next REAL project will be a TOS Klink dreadnaught, which is why I'm asking for models in my other thread.

Getting close to a release? I'm waiting for this one as I had an idea for it.

Should be able to release this baby this evening. LS has given his blessing, and all I need to do is whip up a backstory and documentation.

Red_Sharif · « **Reply #18 on:** December 04, 2007, 04:48:55 pm »

Quote from: Fallen_Warrior on December 04, 2007, 07:37:28 am

you have my blessings aswell

ACK! That was an oversight on my part. Thank you for reminding me and granting your permission for me to release.

Starforce2 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 06, 2007, 11:06:41 pm »

Congrats on your first release. It turned out great, and is probably one of the better TOS Miranda's I've seen.

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Topic: My First Kitbash (Read 3870 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

Topic: My First Kitbash (Read 3870 times)